Seeking control is a natural response to anxiety.

I see the same things, say the same things to many people:

"Relax your arms"

"Let go of the leash"

"Take a breath"

When we are anxious, when uncertainty hits, our instinct is often to grasp for control—to keep our dog close, to anticipate every outcome.

That's a FIGHT instinct - it's meant to keep you (and your dog) safe.

That fear-driven need for control usually makes us less effective, not more. We tighten up, overthink, and can't remember our training—those skills and games we planned on using.

Instead of trying to control our dog, instead of keeping them close and tense, prepared for any situation, we can build positive, fun techniques into muscle memory.

When we strategically rehearse how we want to show up—not just the mechanics, but the mindset, making it fun and game based—those patterns get encoded into muscle memory. They become our default, available even when we're caught off guard - for both you AND your dog.

The difference is profound. Someone operating from fear-based control is rigid and reactive. Someone drawing on preparation is flexible and responsive.. and enjoying their walk.

We can't pretending uncertainty doesn't exist, but we can build a foundation strong enough that when the world surprises us, we're reacting confidently, not panicking.

Cheers,
Christina

p.s. I have a free webinar on arousal on July 15th. Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll receive a link to the recording in your inbox.

"Good Dog!"

3 Steps to Helping Dogs with Big Feelings